Overview

This article shows how to connect your Froco A-series or I-series roaster with the Autonics TX4S controller (manufactured 2023 onwards).

Compatible models

• A-series: FR1A, FR3A, FR5A, FR15A, FR25A, FR50A
• I-series: FR1i, FR3i, FR5i, FR15i, FR25i, FR50i

Follow this setup article instead for Froco N-series models.

Note: We are currently testing this integration. If you would like to use it, please sign up for our RMM Beta Program before proceeding with the setup.

Requirements

• USB cable
• FTDI driver
  • Note: This driver may already be installed on your computer.

Supported measurements and controls

Froco I-series

• Measurements: 
  • Bean temperature [°]
  • Drum temperature [°]
• Controls: 
  • Set temperature (Bean temperature set point) [°]

Froco A-series

• Measurements: 
  • Bean temperature [°]
  • Drum temperature [°]
  • Inlet temperature [°]
  • Gas [%]
  • Airflow [%]
  • Drum speed [%]
  • Gas pressure [Pa]*
• Controls: 
  • Set temperature (Bean temperature set point) [°]

*Note: The gas pressure readout is only available on recent machines.

Setup

Install Roasting Intelligence

1. Download the appropriate custom version of Roasting Intelligence for your system:
   1. Windows: x64 version ending in .exe
   2. macOS: version ending in .dmg
   3. Linux: version ending in .rpm or .deb
2. Complete the installation process by following the steps provided.
3. Double-click the Cropster Roasting Intelligence icon on your desktop.
4. Click the Login with browser button.
   
    
5. You will be directed to the sign-in page in your browser. Enter your email and password, then click the green Log in button. Use the same credentials that you use to access our online platform.

Establish a connection to the machine

1. In the top-left corner of the screen, click on Preferences > Machine > Configuration.
2. Click on the Machine drop-down menu (a) at the top of the window and select your roasting machine.
3. Click the + Add connector button (b) to choose your connector from the drop-down menu.
   
    
4. Select Froco PIDs from the list, then click Select:
   
    
5. Click the Gear icon next to the added connector:
   
    
6. Click the Serial port drop-down menu and:
   1. Serial port:
      1. tty.usbserial for macOS
      2. COM[number] for Windows
   2. Temperature unit: Select the temperature unit that is configured on the roast machine’s display.
   3. Pressure unit: Select the pressure unit that is configured on the roast machine’s gas pressure display.
7. Click OK.
   
    
8. Navigate to the Measurements tab. All supported measurements and controls will be displayed.
9. To activate the measurements/controls, click the toggles next to every item in the list. If the toggle is green, the item is enabled:
   
    
10. For every measurement, click on the accompanying drop-down menu labeled Select source … and select Froco PIDs.
    
    
    You can change the order of the measurements by moving the Drag and Drop icons.
     
11. Click Save in the bottom right corner of the Preferences window to save the changes.
    

After saving the changes, restart Roasting Intelligence. If the setup was successful, you will see the data from supported measurements in the bottom-right part of the screen.

Troubleshooting

If you do not see the measurements in Roasting Intelligence, try the following:

• Verify that the roasting machine is connected to the computer via a USB cable.
• Follow the section Establish a connection to the machine back to step 6 and try to select another serial port.

If this does not help, submit a ticket to Cropster Technical Support, and our representatives will assist you.